Hawaii, as one of the world's most remote archipelagos, is well-known for its high prices across the board. However, there are a plethora of free things to do and see in the Land of Aloha. You need insider knowledge to find Hawaii's top attractions. Explore the best free things to do in Hawaii and learn tips for saving money on fabulous sights and experiences while you're there after you've decided which Hawaiian island is best for you and when to visit. If you want to visit and experience free activities in Hawaii, you should update the temperature every month, to avoid these affecting your experience.
See the Most Recent Undeveloped Beach in the World
The 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption was the most devastating volcanic event on the Big Island in modern times. A silver lining can be found in every cloud, as the old adage goes. Pohoiki Beach, the newest natural beach in the world, was formed as a direct result of the eruption. Black sand was formed when molten lava met the surf and immediately turned to sand at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Pohoiki Beach is really breathtaking, with its glossy black curve and swaying palm trees.
Take Ukulele Lesson
Although it has its roots in Portugal, the ukulele has come to represent Hawaiian music and culture. Beginner ukulele lessons can be found across Hawaii for free. On Oahu, your first stop should be Ukulele Store on Waikiki Beach Walk. A free ukulele class is offered in Lahaina Cannery Mall on Maui. The visitor center at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the Big Island of Hawai'i has a weekly Kanikapila (jam session) every Wednesday.
Observing Whales from Solid Ground? All right!
Thousands of humpback whales leave the cold waters of Alaska in the winter to breed in the warmer waters off the coast of Hawaii. Luckily, a boat isn't necessary to see this amazing natural phenomenon. Visit Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Hawaii, which is open to the public at no cost, or the Makapuu Point Lighthouse trail on Oahu, Maui's Puu Olai Beach or Makena State Park, or Hawai'i's Puukohola Heiau.
Take part in the Pu'u Keka'a Cliff Diving Ceremony
The Pu'u Keka'a promontory in Ka'anapali, which rises 30 feet into the air, is a favorite cliff jumping location despite the widespread belief among locals that it is a portal to the hereafter. In the 18th century, chief Kahekili of Maui demonstrated this, and now the area in front of the Sheraton Maui is known as Black Rock. At sunset, visitors can witness a cliff-diving ceremony in which an athlete runs up the cliff, lights torches along the path, and then gracefully dives into the ocean.
Take in the Beautiful Night Sky and Silverswords of Maunakea
The Maunakea summit is a fantastic place to take in Hawaii's famously beautiful night skies. There are 12 world-class observatories at the peak, but you won't need a sophisticated telescope to take in the scenery. At the 9200-foot-high visitor center, you can get some great views of the starry sky. It is recommended, however, that you avoid the higher altitudes because the residents hold the top in the highest regard. If you plan on climbing at night, it is highly suggested that you choose a reliable tour operator that has been approved by the visitor information center. Take a short stroll to see the intriguing spiky, unique, and endangered Maunakea silversword plants, and listen to free talks about the mountain's cultural significance to the Hawaiian people throughout the day.
Explore the Big Island and Maui's Marine Parks
The Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, covering an area of sea around the uninhabited northern Hawaiian islands that is close to 140,000 square miles in size. However, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center will bring you close to the action in spirit. The center is located in a renovated two-story bank in the heart of Hilo's downtown and features an aquarium with a capacity of 3,500 gallons, videos on plastic pollution, and a small library.
Lapakahi State Historical Park: Seven Places to Relive History
Walk the mile-long trail through the ruins of a fishing village that has been deserted for over 600 years and immerse yourself in history. Explore the seaside ruins of canoe houses, fishing shrines, salt ponds, and old house foundations while having fun playing knane, a traditional Hawaiian game.
Useful Hint: Before setting off on your historical adventure, be sure to pick up a leaflet at the trailhead.
Discover the Big Island's Macadamia Nut Business
The Big Island is responsible for up to 90 percent of Hawaii's macadamia nut harvest. The Great Hawaiian Mac Nut Trail is a tourist hotspot due to its abundance of macadamia nut processing plants. Visit one of the world's largest factories, Mauna Loa, just outside Hilo on your own time. Extensive orchards, instruction in the art of cracking the notoriously hard-to-shell nuts, and a chocolate factory all await visitors.
Find Out More About Hawaii's Prehistoric Petroglyphs
Explore the area in search of petroglyphs (ki'i pohaku) depicting human and animal figures, boats, and weapons. These ancient rock sculptures can be seen along the boardwalk in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, a free-to-enter former traditional town. Waikoloa Petroglyph Park, located further north, features an extensive collection of carvings and is very accessible. On the other hand, the Puako Petroglyph Preserve is home to an incredible 3,000 carvings.
Take in Archipelago-Wide Art
Explore the colorful murals and graffiti that can be found all over the Kaka'ako area of Honolulu. The Honolulu Museum of Art hosts free family days once a month, where visitors of all ages can participate in themed activities and tours of the museum's galleries and exhibitions.
Discovering Lava Trees, a Rare Wonder of Nature
A native ohia forest was flooded by lava during an eruption in 1790, leaving behind a series of rocky stumps. Lava Tree State Monument today allows tourists to roam through the cherished forest, taking in the sights of the verdant jungle that has grown over the elder tree mold castings.
Kukaniloko Birthing Stones Found, an Important Prehistoric Site
Kukaniloko, an archeological site in a dusty red meadow in central Oahu, is historically noteworthy because its 180 lava-rock stones were utilized as a birthing site by the royal women of Hawaii for centuries. A reclining pregnant woman's silhouette can be seen in the western Waianae highlands, which is where the name "Kukaniloko" comes from.
Learn About the Unique Hawaii Coffee Culture
Hawaii is one of just two states in the United States that cultivate coffee for commercial purposes; the other being California. Located on the western coast of the Big Island, Kona is well-known for its coffee production. There are more than 600 coffee plantations in Kona, and many of them provide tours and tastings for free.
However, the cultivation of coffee in the state's other regions is even more intriguing than the Kona coffee itself. The Ka'u Coffee Mill, located in the district to Kona's south, offers excellent farm excursions and factory samples. Waialua Estate is a thriving farm on Oahu that produces coffee and chocolate in limited quantities but does not welcome visitors. However, close by the site of the old sugar mill is Island X Hawaii, where you can try out their wares and even get a quick tour of the facilities if you ask nicely.
Growing more than four million trees, the Kauai Coffee Company is responsible for sixty percent of Hawaii's total coffee harvest. They have great samples and free walking tours of the grounds at their visitor center. Do not pass up the opportunity to sample all of the estate's offerings.
